Pac-10 notes: USC tries to move forward after sanctions

When he took the Southern California job in June, men's basketball coach Kevin O'Neill knew sanctions surrounding an NCAA investigation likely were forthcoming.

That didn't make hearing about them any easier.

"It's kind of like when my mother passed away," O'Neill said during Tuesday's Pac-10 teleconference. "I knew she was going to die for about a year, but that doesn't make it easier when it happens. . . . We're disappointed. We're not angry. We're just going to deal with it the best we can."

On Sunday, USC imposed sanctions on its basketball program after an internal investigation revealed that the Trojans had violated NCAA rules during the recruitment of former star O.J. Mayo.

Among the sanctions: a postseason ban for this season, meaning no Pac-10 or NCAA tournament.

It was a harsh blow for USC, which has won eight in a row and was starting to capture national respect.

"I would hope it doesn't affect our play at all," O'Neill said. "You know, not doing our job would be the worst thing in this whole situation. We can only control what we can control, and that's our effort and focus."

Pac-10 coaches don't expect a drop-off.

"USC is going to be fine," California coach Mike Montgomery said. "It's very disappointing for them, obviously, because they're playing very well. They look like a postseason team in every respect. . . . (But) knowing Kevin O'Neill like I know him and the personality of that team, I think they'll play with a little chip on their shoulder and they'll be very difficult to beat."

Showing potential

After a slow start, Oregon sophomore Michael Dunigan has established himself as a serious post threat.

The Pac-10 Player of the Week, Dunigan is averaging 16.1 points and shooting 62.9 percent in his past seven games.

"People got to understand that Mike didn't start playing organized basketball until the 10th grade, so he's only five years into his development," Oregon coach Ernie Kent said. "The biggest thing is he's changed his work ethic from when he came in the door to where he is now. He came in at 280 pounds, and he's playing now at about 248. He's taken the fat off and turned his body into muscle."

Free throws

Oregon State coach Craig Robinson welcomed Austin Lucas Robinson into his lineup. Little Austin was born at 8:30 a.m. Monday.

• UCLA point guard Jerime Anderson won't start Wednesday's game at California because he was late to a rehab session, according to the Los Angeles Times. Anderson recently tweaked a groin injury.

• Arizona State senior Derek Glasser made no excuses for his subpar play in losses at UCLA and USC. Sore ankle? The flu? Not exactly. "Just a bad weekend," Glasser said.

• The Arizona Daily Star reported that Arizona guard Garland Judkins plans to transfer to Texas-San Antonio, according to his coach with the Texas D-I Ambassadors traveling team, Max Ivany.

Jan. 4, 2010: Southern California coach Kevin O'Neill speaks in Los Angeles. O'Neill told players Sunday that the university had imposed sanctions on the team for recruiting violations involving former player O.J. Mayo.

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Pac-10 rankings

1. California (9-4, 1-0)The Golden Bears have dealt with injuries all season, but Jorge Gutierrez (knee) will be missed.

2. Southern California (10-4, 2-0)How motivated is a team that has nothing to play for?